S. Korean and U.S. presidents hold summit talks on June 29-30 in Washington

2017.06.14 13:15:19 | 2017.06.14 13:15:58

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in will make his first overseas trip on June 29-30 for summit talks with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, the presidential office said on Tuesday.

Moon will fly out to the U.S. on June 28 for a summit itinerary that includes banquet, summit talks, and a joint press conference at the White House from June 29 to 30, said Park Soo-hyun, presidential spokesperson.

His entourage will be comprised of his aides, cabinet members, and business leaders.

His first state visit to the U.S. will take place 50 days after his inauguration, the fastest record for a Korean president.

Korea¡¯s first summit with Trump who took office in January due to leadership vacuum in Seoul following the impeachment of former president is packed with heavy security and trade agenda of ironing out differences over dealing with North Korea and its alarming missile and nuclear program, the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement between the two allies under explicitly conservative and liberal leaders.

Park said the two summits would focus on strengthening bilateral alliance, addressing fundamental solutions to North Korean problem and ensuring lasting peace in Korean Peninsula as well as enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

¡°The summit will provide a momentum to take the Korea-U.S. relations to the next level,¡± said Park. ¡°The meeting takes place when strong alliance is needed more than ever.¡±

The White House said in a statement that ¡°President Trump and President Moon will discuss ways to further strengthen the ironclad U.S.-ROK alliance, advance cooperation on economic and global issues, and deepen the friendship between the two countries.¡±

During his visit, Moon plans to meet with Vice President Mike Pence and other senior officials in Washington.

He would be attending events hosted by the Congress and the business community and meet with Korean-Americans.

By Kang Gye-man

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